Natalia Beaumont named NJCAA Player of the Week

Eastern Florida State College women's basketball player Natalia Beaumont was named the NJCAA Division I Player of the Week on Wednesday.

It is the first time in at least 20 years a Titans women's basketball player has been named the national player of the week. And it was not lost on Beaumont.

"There are no words to describe this," Beaumont said. "I feel very blessed and thankful for this moment, it has been a long couple of years and to hear this news is a blessing and shows that the hard work is paying off."

Beaumont played just five games as a freshmen before suffering a knee injury. After surgery and a long rehab, Beaumont returned to the court this season.

"It makes me think about all of the sweat and tears that I put in to get back on the court and to see where I am now, I am just in awe," Beaumont said. "But I feel this is just the beginning. I am thankful for this moment and appreciate everyone involved but I am not done yet. We have a long way to go to get to where we want to go as a team, I feel this is just the beginning."

The Emu Heights, Australia native has been getting stronger as the year has gone on and has posted a double-double in each of the past five games she has played in.

Last week the forward averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks and is averaging 12.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game this year. 

"Being injured last season I really had a chance to think about how I can improve and really became a student of the game," Beaumont said. "I looked at scouting reports and watched film of myself and other players to see how I can improve and I feel like I have developed a pretty good routine and it is working for me. But the main thing has been my teammates. I don't think I would be in this position without my team and I am extremely thankful for them. We are a special group.

"It would not have happened if not for the girls standing next to me every day, I truly believe that."